nose plus for the F&P Oracle oral mask

by Skip R
(Tucson, AZ, USA)

After trying 11 different CPAP masks I have found that the F&P Oracle CPAP mask works the best for me, even though my CPAP pressure is 14cm H2O. That screw adjustment in the front of the mask allows me to clamp my lips firmly. My problem is that the largest nose plug that F&P supplies pops out of my big nose, especially if I roll on my side. Per your comment about alternative nose plugs, I tried the swimmer's nose clamp with no improvement (it would slip off and leave a small bruise). I haven't tried your recommended use of ear plugs yet. I was wondering what your thought are about these nose plugs:

http://www.breathepurenap.com/

I think they will not provide a strong enough block to the air backflow through my nose.

This Friday I'm going to get fitted with a tooth guard with holes between the upper and lower row of teeth. It forces my weak jaw out. Theoretically it should keep the sleep apnea at bay. Do you have any comments on that type of sleep apnea device? I'm thinking I may still have to use a CPAP mask with it. I think it will help make the other masks I have acquired work more comfortably. Do you agree?

Comments for nose plus for the F&P Oracle oral mask

This morning I gave up using that "CPAP-less" tooth guard I mention above. My mouth felt constrained with it, even though it allowed my lower jaw to slide laterally with respect to my upper jaw. My jaw felt strained at the rear of my jaw where it pivots. Even though there is a tight fit with my teeth I found my teeth had pulled out of the mouthpiece when I naturally open my mouth wide open when I sleep because it doesn't allow the upper and lower components to separate. It was a little better when I put a CPAP mask on, though it was much more comfortable without the mouthpiece.

I have been using a tooth guard for my upper jaw for several years. It was created by my Periodontist. I'm going to ask her if a modified version that allows me to breath through my mouth can be made. My old one works just fine with CPAP, though I can't breath through my mouth with it.

Jul 26, 2012Rating

Re: more nose plug and mask stuffby: Skip R

First of all I forgot to change the anonymous name to my name in the comment below.

Yes, I tried the chin strap with all of my masks. Unfortunately I don't know how to do so and not keep my mouth from closing, thus forcing me to breath through my nose, which is compromised by being poorly set after being broken around 30 years ago. I have tried to put a minimum amount chin strap pressure that allows my mouth to partially open. It is an art to do so. I have great hope with the mouth guard I'm having fit to my mouth today. It will allow me to breath through my mouth with a stronger strap pressure and any mask.

Jul 26, 2012Rating

by: CpapHelpDesk

Many people have benefitted from using a CPAP Chin Strap along with the CPAP Full Face Mask of choice. It works. I know it seems overkill and all that extra stuff on their face can drive anyone crazy.

We employ this strategy to control the severity of "Jaw drop" which eventually breaks the seal when using a full face CPAP mask. All the best.

Jul 25, 2012Rating

more nose plug and mask stuffby: Anonymous

I just got up after using the Oracle. The nose plugs worked well this time around since I slept on my back last night. I'll have to move my machine (RESMED S9 Autoset, it's REALLY nice) out to where I can watch TV with it and practice mouth breathing with no nose leaks.

I bought the two hybrid masks. I had a problem with the nasal pillows in the one made by Resmed. They came into my nose at such a steep angle to vertical (if I were standing up) that they kept leaking on me there. The other one made by Innomed (I forget what they are called now) worked the best since its nasal pillows came up to my nose more vertically. Unfortunately my crazy weak chin kept pulling it away. I want to try it again after putting that new mouth guard in (I'm getting one in a few days) which will keep my weak chin from going weak on me.

The 4 full face masks I tried all required a lot of hold down pressure to keep them from leaking when my chin went weak, resulting in a deep notch in the bridge of my nose. That new tooth guard may help.

The makers of some of those tooth guard devices say that they work well with lower pressure levels (not my case). I will use it only in combination with a CPAP mask. I'm surprised I don't require more CPAP pressure since about 15 years ago I woke up with the skin on the upper part of my mouth hanging loosely.

I broke my nose about 30 years ago, which makes a nasal mask hard to use. My sleep doctor said that it was pretty poorly reset after looking at it with some sort of nasal colonoscopy like device :-) As a result I have gotten used to waking up with a dry mouth.

I have also tried using the two "total face" masks made by Resmed. The one that extends from the forehead to just above the chin works well, though it should work much better with that new tooth guard. I usually switch between it and the Oracle during one night in bed. The other one that extends from above the forehead to below the chin leaks on me around the eyes, except with a lot of hold down force. It's too bad since it looked like it would have been quite comfortable, even with a weak chin.

Jul 25, 2012Rating

by: CpapHelpDesk

• I honestly don’t know anything about “Breath Pure Nap”. So I can’t confidently recommend it. I much less have not heard anyone mention using it. I agree at first glance it does not seem like it can withstand any of the reverse leak.

• May I suggest this…practice (by being distracted) using the Oracle during the daytime, with your CPAP on and watch a movie or work on the computer. Why? Everyone I did know who used an Oracle after some time did not require a nose plug. They all trained themselves to breath as natural as they could with it on with no reverse leak issues. Perhaps in time this will work for you.

• If you haven’t already, consider using The Hybrid or the The Mirage Liberty

• As far as the earplugs are concern, I personally have never used it. However some people have stated that is what they have used.

• I just had a conversation with a Sleep Physician recently about alternatives to CPAP therapy. I was informed that CPAP (PAP – Positive Airway Therapy) still has the highest success rate, followed the Dental piece you are going for.

• Hopefully you might not need to use a CPAP but only your physician can tell you that. Wouldn’t that be awesome? Some people will find that they don’t require higher CPAP settings. Others find they no longer need a CPAP Full Face Mask because in essence the dental piece keeps their mouth sealed and now they are able to use a CPAP Nasal mask or CPAP nasal pillows. They are many possibilities. Please make sure you follow up with your Sleep Physician.

• All the best. You tenaciousness is very inspiring. You are not just giving up. Thank You.